Word of the Week - Willing Spirit
"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me." Psalm 51:12
Personal Reflection – The Lord continues to do a good work on me in this area mainly through my closest relationships—my marriage, my family, my friends, and even in our business. My nature leans toward being efficient and direct, but at times that can come across as harsh or lacking grace. At the worst of times, it is offensive and hurtful. God is showing me that part of having a willing spirit is allowing Him to soften me, to lead me toward more gentleness, kindness, and patience. He keeps reminding me that His way is not just about being truthful and direct, but about speaking the truth in love. This refining work has not always been easy, but it is producing fruit in my relationships and refining me more into the image of Christ.
What is a Willing Spirit? - A willing spirit is a posture of “yes, Lord.” It’s a heart ready to receive, obey, and trust God even when we don’t see the full picture or fully understand. Growth, maturity, and blessing in our walk with Christ hinge on whether our spirit is open and surrendered to Him. Without it, we risk missing the best God has for us.
Here are a few ways we can continue to develop a “Willing Spirt” toward God:
Trusting God by His Word –The more we know Him, the more confidence we have in His goodness. Trust grows as we walk with Him, and that trust fuels our willingness to obey. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5–6)
Renewing Our Minds in Truth -God’s Word reshapes how we think and live. A willing spirit is sustained by daily renewal through Scripture. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
Dependence on God Alone – King David knew his blessing flowed from God’s presence and Spirit, not his own strength. Before asking for a willing spirit, he prayed: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.” (Psalm 51:10–11) True willingness is born from and abiding dependence on Him.
A Willing Spirit Sustains Us - God promises to meet those who seek Him wholeheartedly: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13). Jesus Himself said, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) A willing spirit anchors us in His sustaining presence.
Challenge Question:
Where in your life right now is God asking for a deeper “yes”—an area where He is calling you to soften, trust, or surrender more fully to His Spirit?
Closing Prayer
Lord, grant us a willing spirit—hearts ready to say “yes” to You, minds renewed in Your truth, and lives fully dependent on Your Spirit. May we never miss the great things You have in store for us because we are not willing to say yes Lord! “For I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Have a great “yes Lord” week!!!